SEC filing guides and research tools

Guides & explainers

• Form D Explorer data coverage and research methodology
  Oct 22, 2026

  Understand Form D Explorer's SEC sources, issuer identifiers, filing counts, missing amounts, amendment limitations, and dataset coverage.

• Form D offering amount vs. amount sold: avoid double counting
  Oct 22, 2026

  Distinguish offering amounts, reported sales, and amendments in Form D. Use a worked example to avoid overstating an issuer's fundraising.

• How to research a company's Form D filing history
  Oct 22, 2026

  Find a company's Form D history, verify its CIK, compare notices and amendments, and preserve SEC source links for reproducible research.

• How to read a Form D: a field-by-field walkthrough
  Oct 22, 2026

  A practical field-by-field guide to reading a Form D filing — what each section tells you, what to ignore, and what signals matter.

• What is SEC Form D? A plain-English guide
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form D is the disclosure a company files with the SEC after selling unregistered securities under Regulation D. What it says, why it matters, and how to read one.

• What is Form C? A guide to Reg CF crowdfunding filings
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form C is the SEC disclosure for Regulation Crowdfunding offerings — the legal vehicle behind Republic, WeFunder, StartEngine and similar platforms. What it says, why it matters, and how it relates to Form D.

• Form D vs. Form C: when companies use which
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form D and Form C are both private-placement notices, but they cover different investor pools, raise sizes, and reporting requirements. When to read which.

• What is Form 1-A? A guide to Reg A+ offerings
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form 1-A is the SEC offering statement for Regulation A+ raises — private companies raising up to $75M with audited financials and ongoing public reporting. What it covers, who uses it, and how it fits between Form D and an IPO.

• Form D vs. Form 1-A: when to use which
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form D and Form 1-A both register private offerings, but Form 1-A's Reg A+ regime opens raises to retail with audited financials. When companies pick each, and what you can read from the filing pattern.

• Rule 506(b) vs. 506(c): which Reg D exemption is being used?
  Oct 22, 2026

  The two most common Regulation D exemptions are 506(b) and 506(c). They differ on general solicitation, accreditation verification, and investor pool — here's how to tell them apart on a Form D.

• Form D vs. Form D/A: what amendments actually mean
  Oct 22, 2026

  A Form D/A amends a prior Form D filing. Here's when issuers file one, what typically changes, and how to read a stack of amendments.

• What is Form ADV? The investment adviser disclosure form
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form ADV is the SEC's required disclosure for registered investment advisers. What it says, why it matters, and how it complements Form D.

• Form D vs. Form ADV: how to read them together
  Oct 22, 2026

  Form D discloses a single private placement; Form ADV discloses the adviser that runs it. Reading both side by side is how you size up a fund manager.